Opinion: Transforming Boggy Creek – Sustainable Light Rail for a Greener, Safer Austin

Last year, I grabbed a coffee from Stargazer on Springdale Road and took a little walk by the Govalle Austin Police Department. As I walked over a large concrete drainage ditch, I thought to myself, “this is ugly, why not build the light rail on this land?” So I did some research.

The Boggy Creek Greenbelt runs through areas that are already part of a floodplain. Developing a light rail system in this space would require extensive engineering and compliance with the city of Austin’s floodplain regulations, which prohibit modifications unless they provide significant public safety or environmental benefits. However, public infrastructure development – unlike fragmented private development – can take a comprehensive approach. By incorporating advanced mitigation measures like bioswales, retention basins, and permeable surfaces, a light rail project could actually enhance flood management while preserving and improving the area’s natural features.

This isn’t a new concept. Cities like Portland, Oregon, have successfully integrated light rail infrastructure into flood-prone areas by prioritizing green engineering and community collaboration. Similarly, Austin’s own Waterloo Park demonstrates how public projects can combine flood mitigation with sustainable urban spaces. These projects show that environmental stewardship and public infrastructure can go hand in hand, benefiting communities on multiple levels.

A light rail system would also address critical safety concerns. With traffic fatalities and pedestrian accidents on the rise, reducing reliance on personal vehicles is crucial. According to the city of Austin’s Vision Zero program, 79 people were killed in Austin traffic crashes in 2021 alone, highlighting the urgent need for safer transit alternatives. A light rail through the Boggy Creek corridor could help alleviate roadway congestion, reducing hazards for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Furthermore, this route would connect some of Austin’s most underserved areas to the airport and Downtown, increasing mobility for residents who may not have access to reliable transportation. Enhanced transit access contributes to economic opportunity and equity, aligning with Austin’s broader goals of fostering inclusive growth.

Beyond the practical benefits, a Boggy Creek light rail project offers a chance to redefine how Austin approaches development in environmentally sensitive areas. By combining infrastructure improvements with sustainable design, the project could preserve and enhance the greenbelt, making it a model for how urban transit can coexist with environmental stewardship.

This approach aligns with Austin’s values of sustainability and innovation. Instead of paving the way for private, piecemeal developments in flood-prone zones, a public transit project could provide controlled, planned improvements that benefit the entire community.

This vision reflects what Austin strives to be: a city that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and equity. A thoughtfully designed light rail system through Boggy Creek could unlock mobility, improve flood resilience, and create a greener, more connected future. Let’s move forward together – thoughtfully and boldly.

Philip Romike is a Texas-licensed civil engineer with over 13 years of federal government experience. A former White House policy analyst, he has served in key roles at the Department of Defense and FEMA. He earned his master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs in 2022 and contributed to significant policy initiatives, including the AI Bill of Rights.